San Francisco Giants pitcher Yusmeiro Petit nearly threw the 24th perfect game in MLB history, but he gave up a hit on a 3-2 pitch with two outs in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night to lose his place in history.

Those who believe in superstitions — such as not mentioning a no-hitter or perfect game in progress — may have a scapegoat to blame for Petit losing the perfecto: the pitcher’s wife.

Petit’s wife was escorted by security towards the field at AT&T Park after her husband got the second out of the ninth inning. Of course they wanted Mrs. Petit to be close to the field to celebrate with her husband if he achieved the feat, but they may have rushed things. It was like a team bringing out the champagne bottles before the game ended.

Next thing you know, Eric Chavez delivers a pinch-hit single to right to break it all up, and Petit only ends up with a 1-hitter. Maybe Mrs. Petit has learned her lesson … if there ever is a next time.

Here’s another shot of her:

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Yusmeiro Petit missed out on throwing a perfect game Friday night when he allowed pinch-hitter Eric Chavez to drive a single to right field on a 3-2 pitch with two outs in the ninth inning.

Petit was making just his fourth start of the season for the San Francisco Giants and came close to perfection. He sat down the first 26 Arizona Diamondbacks batters he faced until Chavez knocked a solid single to right. Right fielder Hunter Pence came close to making a diving catch to preserve the perfecto, but the ball dropped in for the only Arizona hit of the game. You may recall that Pence made a spectacular catch in July to keep Tim Lincecum’s no-hitter intact.

Petit completed the 1-hit shutout against his former team, striking out 7 to improve to 3-0. It was his first career complete game. He entered the game with a 5.37 ERA over six seasons.

Petit coming so close but being unable to complete the perfect game is a good reminder why there’s only been 23 perfect games in MLB history.